Fixation Flashcards
Primary Objective of Fixation
To stabilize proteins which would preserve tissues and cellular components in a life-like state that would present autolysis and putrefication.
Classification according to Action
Microanatomical
Cytological
Histochemical
Permit the GENERAL microscopic
study of the structures without altering the
structural pattern and normal intercellular
relationship of the tissues in question.
Microanatomical Fixatives
Preserves the specific parts and
particular microscopic elements of the cell
itself
Cytological Fixative
Characteristics of a “ideal” fixative
- Cheap
- Stable
- Safe to handle
- Must only produce minimum shrinkage and distortion of cell components
- Hardens tissue
.6. Isotonic for minimal physical and chemical
alteration of the cells. - Permit the application of many staining procedures
True or False. It should have at least ONE
characteristic to be considered a “good” fixative
False. Fixative should have at least TWO or MORE of the characteristics to be considered a “good” fixative.
From oxidation of methyl alcohol
Formalin
Pure Stock Solution - Highest concentration of Formalin equal to 100%
37-40% Formalin
Usual dilution of Formalin or % solution.
10% Formalin solution
Dilution: 1:10 or 1:20
Formalin Pigments are formed from?
Acidic formalin solutions due to formation of formic acid by oxidation of formalin.
Removing Formalin Pigment
Kardasewitsch Method
Lillie’s Method
Picric Acid Method
Measurements by which Pathologists cuts small portion of the organ.
3-5 mm thickness
3 by 2.5 cm in area
A microanatomical fixative recommended for fixation of CNS and GENERAL post mortem
tissues and SILVER IMPREGNATION
10% Formol Saline
Considered as BEST GENERAL fixative and for tissues containing IRON GRANULES.
10% NBF
10% NBF are most recommended to used for?
preservation and storage of SURGICAL specimens
RESEARCH specimens
Tissues with IRON Granules
Elastic Fiber preservation
Advantages of 10% NBF?
- Doesn’t cause formalin pigment preventing precipitation of acid.
- Doesn’t require for post-treatment
- Fixative of choice in tissues containing Iron pigments.
Recommended for routine POST-MORTEM tissues
Formol Corrosive/Sublimate
Satisfactory for EM
Glutaraldehyde
Most common metallic fixative
Mercuric Chloride
Advantages of Metallic Fixative
- Increase staining Brightness
- Nuclear Detail
- Applied for Hematopoietic reticuloendothelial tissues.